Herbal Remedies

You may know Winthania somnifera by its common name, Indian gingsen. Also called winter cherry, Ajagandha, Kanaje Hindi, Samm Al Ferakh and more commonly Ashwagandha. This is an Ayurvedic herb that grows as a stout shrub. It belongs to the family Solanaceae (nightshade family) just as the tomato and bears yellow flowers and red fruits. You can read more on Ashwagandha – herbs from the land of India.

According to the ancient medicine system of India, Ayurveda, Ashwagandha is known as a ‘rasayana’. Rasayana is a plant derived drug that helps in increasing physical and mental health. It also helps in making the bodies resistance against diseases stronger and revitalizing a body drained of its energy. Ashwagandha also has the reputation to increase life longevity and improve sex life. It is grown in India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. Native Americans and Africans have also been known to use Ashwagandha for treating fevers, inflammation and protection against diseases.

Uses of Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha is known to strengthen the immune system and thought to be an effective remedy against multiple sclerosis, cancers and even AIDS. People have been known to use it as a hypnotic drug for self therapy. It is an energy tonic that helps in soothing the mind and increasing sexual powers.

It is used as a remedy to ‘balance life force’ according to Ayurveda. It is therefore used as a health booster and rejuvenating tonic in traditional Ayurvedic medicine. Ashwagandha is also known to have many antioxidant properties. It is used to treat fungal infections, tuberculosis, chronic upper respiratory illness, etc. It is widely used to treat many gynecological disorders and cure male infertility and impotence.

Side Effects of Ashwagandha
Just as every coin has two sides, aswagandha too has its side effects. Although it is said that ashwagandha side effects are virtually non-existent, but there are some side effects that have been observed in some individuals during case studies. These side effects of ashwagandha include:

There is a slight elevation of body temperature after one week of use

Irritation in the gastrointestinal system

Development of small lesions and inflammation

Vascular congestion

Kidney diseases

Diarrhea

Vomiting

Nausea

Heaviness in abdomen

Ashwagandha Dosage
Ashwagandha is available in many forms and you need to follow different dosages for each. In case you are having ashwagandha powder, then you may take 3 to 6 grams of the powder three times a day. Ashwagandha is also available in form of a decoction. You can have 16 to 31 grams of decoction with boiled cow’s milk, three times a day. You can have two tablespoon of ashwagandha extract three times a day. Remember, you should avoid taking ashwagandha if you are on any type of sedative medications.

Caution is the Key
Many herbalist have warned that individuals with certain conditions should avoid using ashwagandha. People suffering from diabetes, liver diseases, digestive disorders and ulcers should not take ashwagandha. Liquid ashwagandha tonics are prepared in sugar and/or alcohol. Therefore, people with alcohol problems should also avoid intake of ashwagandha. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should also avoid taking ashwagandha, as it may have potential risk to the fetus and the infant.

Ashwagandha side effects have only short, vague evidences that are not very conclusive. Indian adults, as well as children have been using ashwagandha for centuries, without any major problems. You should always speak to your doctor before consuming ashwagandha. One should not out weigh the risks and throw caution to the wind. Ashwagandha has excellent safety marks and therefore with a little bit of precautions, you can have ashwagandha with your doctors advice.